SHICKSHINNY — Leanne Dorothy Grace, 59, of Park Ridge Drive, Shickshinny, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, of natural causes.

She was born on Jan.20, 1955, in Quakertown, a daughter of the late Earl and Florence Cole Mensen.

She was Director of Professional Development at Hildebrandt Learning Centers LLC., a child development company.

Leanne loved teaching, both children and adults, creating Rainbow Hill Preschool in Huntington Mills. She delighted audiences young and old, telling stories as part of "Stories with Hart & Grace."

In 1975, she married her high school sweetheart, Dennis Grace, and they celebrated 38 years of marriage in August 2013.

At Hildebrandt, she traveled along the East Coast educating new teachers, opening centers and touching more lives.

Recently, she has enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, Vivian Eilir Grace-Duff and Cole Barna, and sister, Darlene Keller, Daytona Beach, Florida.

"Don't cry because it is over. Smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss

She is survived by her husband, Dennis Grace, and her daughters, Jamie Grace-Duff and Amanda (Grace) Barna.

Friends may call at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Charles L. Cease Funeral Home, 634 Reyburn Road, Shickshinny, with a celebration of Leanne's life to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hildebrandt Learning Centers LLC, 105 Lt. Michael Clearly Drive, Dallas, PA 18612-1649. A special fund will be established in her name.

For directions or online condolences, please visit www.charleslceasefuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Abington Journal from Jun. 5 to Jun. 6, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Leanne Grace

68 Entries

Ron and Janet cross

June 8, 2023

wonderful person

Linda Duerr

May 30, 2023

Always remembered as one of the finest early childhood educators I ever had the good fortune to meet and collaborate with.

Linda

May 30, 2021

Leanne brought grace to the world. Teacher, player, listener, story teller, holder of hearts, ready to laugh, dance, debate, collaborate...believer in the power of young children and the force of early childhood education. I count her as a blessing in my personal and professional journey and keep her alive in my heart.

June 13, 2014

Leanne always had a smile to share and hope to spread. she was an artist.....of fabric...but also an artist of creating loving and caring places for children and families. she was always looking to improve how we cared for families. she created a beautiful jacket for the PACCA conference a number of years ago that everyone wanted to win, including me. but i didn't win. a few months later she gifted me with an even more beautiful jacket. that was the type of person she was. Condolences to her family who she always talked about and to her friends at Hildebrandt who she helped shepherd.

Mary Graham (Philadelphia, PA)

latla dawson

June 12, 2014

Leanne this is not goodbye this is a I know I'll see you again soon! You made me smile every time I saw you. Your kind eyes, soft voice, and BEAUTIFUL personality will never be forgotten. I feel so privledged to say I got to be in the presence of an unsung hero, you are my inspiration and I love you so much!

layla dawson

June 12, 2014

You are such a beutiful person you never judged anyone and showed me how to be the professional I am today.....without your kind words, warmth and senserity I would not be where I am today! Love you so much and I will see you again

Mike&Beth Moyer

June 10, 2014

So sorry Denny.It's been years since I last saw Leanne,but I remember the good times we had in school.

Sharon Vietmeier

June 10, 2014

The Northampton Community College Early Childhood Department is saddened to learn of the passing of Leanne. She had such a wonderful spirit and a true passion for children. Her love of the arts and Reggio inspired teachings was extensive! Our condolences to her family and the Hildebrandt community.

Kay Lipsitz

June 9, 2014

Leanne, we were all so fortunate to have had you in our lives. You have inspired us all to think of what could be, to be passionate in what we do, and to embrace the opportunities we have to make the world a better place for all.

June 8, 2014

The Good Lord could not have put a more beautiful person on this Earth. She was such a wonderful wife, mother and partner to Den and the girls. Our hearts are broken and there has not been 1 minute that has passed that we have not thought of them all. It is hard for us being all these miles away but we will never forget our happy times together. She is in our hearts forever. Our love will never cease......Pete and Deb Pears Sydney Australia.

Ron and Janet Cross

June 8, 2014

So sorry to hear of Leanne's passing. May you and your family find comfort in her memory. God bless.

Linda Duerr

June 8, 2014

Leanne was a true visionary in our profession yet she was firmly rooted to the earth and the beauty of nature. Her spirit will be carried by all who had the great good fortune to find her on our learning journeys. We will share her story and carry on with the grace she shared so willingly with all of us.

Elizabeth Muller

June 8, 2014

Leanne, you will be missed by the many you have taught and by those who will only hear stories. Many will never know the great lady behind the many "napinars," only the voice that has left us to soon. I will cherish the time I had learning from you and will always remember you and the stories you had shared. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. You will always have a place in my heart.

Shelley Candy

June 7, 2014

A true Early Child Hood leader has been lost and the impact will be felt for year to come! My thoughts and prayers to your family during these days. As a former HLC director, I know the investment Leanne made in my life and will treasure it!

Claudia Myers-Place

June 7, 2014

Leanne and I graduated from PHS in 72 and Denny and I were childhood neighbors. I have not seen you guys for years but I just heard of Leanne's passing. I am sending my thoughts and prayers to all of you. May all of your happy memories help to ease your grief.

Denise Zaruta

June 7, 2014

I first met Leanne as my professor at LCCC for Children's Art and later as a co Hildebrandt employee. She always encouraged us to think "outside the box" and then reflect on what we had learned. So today, as she will be laid to rest, I reflect on what a great inspiration she has been to me and the ECE field and how many lives she has touched. She personifies our field of ECE and will live on in ALL of us who had the pleasure of knowing her. My deepest sympathy to the Grace and Hildebrandt Families

Sally Barnes (was Murphy)

June 7, 2014

Leanne and I were dormies together at Bloomsburg State. I always admired Leanne particularly for her storytelling passion. I saw her a few years ago and was delighted to spend an afternoon together reminiscing and catching up. News of her death has shaken me to the core. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the coming days.

Barb Simmons

June 7, 2014

Our heartfelt sympathy to Denny and family. Many wonderful memories of Leanne with the girls and Jason growing up. She will surely be missed..must be some children that need her teaching! Forever held dear in the hearts she has touched.

Jack and Jackie and William Knouse

June 7, 2014

A You will truly missed by all that new you

Alicia Kemzura

June 7, 2014

I was truly sorry to hear that Leanne had passed away. I really loved to hear her teach, and the stories she has told. She was an inspiration to me.She will truly be missed.

Staci Flick

June 7, 2014

Leanne's positive energy was captivating! She was an amazing inspiration to so many educators and will never be forgotten! I am thankful I had the opportunity to work with her, she taught me so much. Praying for her family, colleagues and friends!

Jen Keiner-Jarolin

June 6, 2014

ECE has truly lost one of the GREAT ones. Leanne was my inspiration and role model as I started my teaching career. I was so blessed to be under her guidance as a teacher at Rainbow Hill. I will keep many wonderful memories of her close to my heart. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. May your memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.

Fran Scarantino

June 6, 2014

Denny and family, I am so sorry. My thoughts are with you all.

June 6, 2014

Brian & Susan, Morgan & Derek Price

June 6, 2014

My family and are so deeply sorry for your loss. Leanne will be sadly missed by many. She was a deeply compassionate individual who loved our children as much as her own. Her love for children was the exact reason we chose Rainbow Hill in Huntington Mills for our children 15 years ago. She made such a difference in many children's lives and will be greatly missed.

June 6, 2014

I had the opportunity to spend last Thursday evening dining out with Leanne and other members of the Penn State Better Kid Care team in Harrisburg. We enjoyed spending the three training days with her and know how much she was looking forward to the weekend with family. She was a great advocate and trainer in the early childhood field and will be missed.

June 6, 2014

Mr. Grace, Jamie,Amanda. and Family,
So very sorry and shocked to hear of Leanne's passing. She was a great inspiration to early childhood education.
Donna Ciarafoni Riley

Donna Falcone

June 6, 2014

My heart is filled with such sadness with this terribly sad news, and also a quiet joy for having been blessed to know Leanne - such a special, joyful woman. I'm so sorry for your loss, Denny...the whole family... I'm so sorry for your loss.

Pete & Karen Malishchak

June 6, 2014

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you. Our two children were students, starting at three years old, of Leanne's in Rainbow Hill Pre-school in Shickshinny. This positive learning environment helped create a solid base for their future experiences. Thank you for that! And we also fondly remember the early stages of the founding of the Shickshinny AYSO chapter in which the Grace family played a pivotal role.Leanne, you will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

Brenda Bloom

June 6, 2014

Leanne was a great teacher and was always there to guide me to be a great teacher. I don't think anyone will know how many lives she has touched through both working directly with children and training teachers. You will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.

Leona Belles

June 6, 2014

So sorry to hear, Leann was my son,Jonathan Belles's..first teacher ..He liked it so much, he told me he wanted to go for both sessions..We will remember her always..Prayers and may God help you through this very sad time..Leona and Edward..

Donna Wennerholt

June 6, 2014

My condolences to Leanne's family and her Hildebrandt family. She was an inspring woman, whose focus on what's best for children never wavered! I am blessed to have known her and had the opportunity to attend her PD. The ECE field has lost a remarkable advocate and teacher!

Karen Olszyk

June 6, 2014

She was a great teacher and inspired everyone she met to have a love of learning. Rest in Peace.

Karen

June 6, 2014

She was a great teacher who shared her love of learning with all. Rest in Peace.

Susan Stone

June 6, 2014

Words fail me except to say that I am so very sorry for your terrible and sudden loss. You have my deepest sympathy. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. If I can be of any help, please let me know. Love, Susan

Mary P. Hall

June 6, 2014

I knew Leanne to be a wonderfully passionate woman about young children and their learning. She was an inspiration to so many and will be truly missed. The life lessons she taught, the examples she set, and the learning she spread will last a lifetime and impact many.

Stacey Zappacosta

June 6, 2014

Words cannot express the hole in my heart I have right now. Leanne was a presence in all of our lives at HLC every minute of the day. When I think of her now I only see her smiling face and I hear her infectious laugh. She has indeed been an incredible asset to the ECE field and through her work with staff and children touched thousands of lives. I wish her family strength and peace . Thank you Leanne for being an inspiration to me .... "Grateful for the joyful possiblities of today and always"

Carol Jadush Weston

June 6, 2014

My deepest sympathy Denny. Prayers to you and your family.

Mary Mahoney-Ferster

June 6, 2014

Her shining spirit will continue to enrich the lives of so many for generations to come...we are all blessed to have known her.

June 6, 2014

Amanda, Cole, & family:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all those who loved, learned from, and were impacted by Leanne's wonderful work.

With Sympathy,
The Schultz Family (LCELC)

Lori Cooper

June 6, 2014

I am so saddened by the loss of Leanne. What a passionate spirit with a true love for all. My deepest sympathies to Denny and family. I will hold you all in my prayers.

Justin Kadtke

June 6, 2014

My sincere condolences to Denny, Amanda and Jamie. Mrs. Grace was an inspiration to everyone she interacted with, and her infectious smile will be missed.

Rebecca

June 6, 2014

I recently started working for Penn State Better Kid Care and had the privilege of reviewing hours of videos that Leanne was in. I have even used a few clips in some lessons. She had such grace and joy as she interacted with children and others. Her gifts will continue to encourage people and be a model for young professionals. How glad I am that I was able to learn from her.

Suzanne Chirstian

June 6, 2014

Dear Denny.

Words can not express my sympathy for your loss. The deep rooted love and affection you both had together was so admired as a very special and blessed relationship.

Leanne's personality and dedication to the education of children, has impacted and inspired so many. She will be missed but will always remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

My sincere condolences to you, your Daughters and your Grandchildren. May
the beautiful memories of your life together, help to ease your grief. She will always be with you.

Suzanne Christian

Kristie Fisher

June 6, 2014

We are sending our deepest sympathy to the Grace family! You are all in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss!
From friends at Bright Horizons at West Point Child Learning center.

Aimee Newswanger

June 6, 2014

Leanne was an educator to her very core. I never walked away from a conversation not thinking and processing something. Her joyful spirit and admonition to remain "Present to the Possibilities" stick with me. I will miss my Wednesday Wondering reminders and ongoing challenges to always be better at our profession. Her beautiful spirit and commitment to children will live on in all of those she has touched. My condolences to her most treasured family.

Denise Continenza

June 6, 2014

I just met Leanne for the first time last week at a training in Harrisburg. I was struck by her enthusiasm and vivacious personality. Leanne and I sat together for several of the activities and lunches. She was an inspiration and a delight. I looked forward to working with her. I am deeply saddened by her passing, yet I celebrate a life that touched so many. God bless your family during this difficult time.

Caroline Perillo

June 6, 2014

I knew you such a short time, but I have learned from you that learning is constant and all around us. Live learning everyday. (Lake-Lehman Early Learning Center)

Sheila Jamiolkowski

June 6, 2014

Mrs. Grace, my mentor. You taught me so, so much! Sorry to Denny and family. She was AWESOME with a capital "A"! I still carry with me all the things she taught me as her student. She will be singing with all the children in heaven. Making heaven fill up with rainbows and sunshine!!! RIP

Megan Dittus

June 6, 2014

My Deepest Sympathy!!! She was a truly inspiring woman!!! Leanne was a true asset to HLC. She always was positive in all she said and did and wore a smile on her face everyday. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and all of the HLC community.

Jeff Welk

June 6, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this time - I have great memories of my childhood with all of you.

Glenn, Laura, Sarah, and Sam Shaffer

June 6, 2014

"We're all a family under one sky" were the words to a song that Leanne sang with the children at Rainbow Hill. Both our children had the privilege to attend Rainbow Hill under the direction of Leanne. She brought a whole new dimension to teaching and learning. She truly made learning fun. She was a blessing to this community. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the family. Be embraced. God Bless You

Shelly Hayman

June 6, 2014

Leanne was a gift to the early childhood community. She had such great skill and great love...and was happy to share her craft and inspire teachers and children alike. As a young teacher I attended many training sessions with Leanne and I always came away better for it. I am so sorry for your loss.

Donna Walter

June 6, 2014

Leanne will live on in the thousands of early childhood professions she inspired throughout her career. Her enthusiasm and love of teaching touched the lives of both children and adults. The field of early childhood is where it is today because of people like Leanne Grace.

Nancy Pierontoni

June 6, 2014

Our deepest sympathy. We knew Lee Ann from Rainbow Hill. Also served on the school board with her. She will be missed.
Nancy & Jerry Pierontoni

Regina Rockel

June 5, 2014

My condolences to the Grace family. i have met her a few times when i worked at It's a small world and she left me with a great impression for her zest to teach children. she will be dearly missed by all.

Our day on the island will live in my heart for always.

Annemarie Carl

June 5, 2014

My friend, sounding board, mentor, "fluffer" to my "nutter." You brought sunshine and happiness to every day. Our weekly travels together, our recent "poolside" interview, stay in a somewhat questionable hotel and our outing on the river with the family. I am so grateful for all of our time together. Thank you to the Grace family for sharing such a wonderful women with me. My heart, love and prayers are with you all.

Lisa Wallace

June 5, 2014

Dear family, My heart broke today when I heard of the passing of Leanne. She was without a doubt my favorite teacher and the one person who inspired me most in college. My lifetime love of children came from my many years as her student. She was a teacher who taught from the heart. She made you believe that you were important and gave you the confidence every day to beleive in yourself. She was a big smile and a positive thought every time you saw her. She was a brilliant individual who has touched the lives of many students, colleagues, and educators. She will truly be missed by everyone. May she rest in peace and may her family find comfort knowing that she is home.

Lesa Shusta

June 5, 2014

My deepest condolences, Denny. I am so sorry for your loss.

Vanessa

June 5, 2014

My sincere condolences go out to the Grace family. Heaven has gained a wonderful servant.

Susan Zeiders

June 5, 2014

I feel privileged to have known Leanne. Her enthusiasm for life and for children were inspirational and she will definitely be missed

Stacia Ciak Casey

June 5, 2014

Mrs. Grace, you will be sorely missed. I have many fond memories of adventures growing up playing with Jamie and Amanda at your house and back yard. You cultivated my love of stories and learning during those times. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Grace, Jamie and Amanda.

Andrew McCollin

June 5, 2014

Leanne you were a such a great person and have changed so many lives in the present and will continue to do so in the future. Your compassion and legacy will forever live on. Rest in Peace...

June 5, 2014

So sad to lose you...we shared many happy memories with our children.
Dorinda

Winn Keiner

June 5, 2014

A great loss to the teaching field.Her love of teaching was an inspiration to so many whose lives she touched. I feel blessed to have known her and share so many experiences with her as a pre school teacher.thanks for the memories and may you rest in peace. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her family at this difficult time.

June 5, 2014

Leanne you are sorely missed and now you are with the heavenly angels. Bless you for all you did for children and how your legacy will carry on for years to come. My thoughts and prayers go out to all family and friends....may they find peace and remembrance for who Leanne was....

Melissa Cole

June 5, 2014

You may be gone but you will forever live in our memories and hearts for you touched so many lives. R.I.P. Leanna...

Linda Moles

June 5, 2014

I will remember Leanne with the smile she wore on Monday as she worked on preparing a room for toddlers at a new center. My deepest sympathy to her family and her other family at HLC.

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